Whether the Zodiac Killer was responsible for the murder of Cheri Jo Bates (18) in Riverside on October 30th 1966 has been widely debated. The young woman was found brutally stabbed on Halloween morning by groundskeeper Cleophus Martin. The Zodiac Killer would lay claim to this murder on March 13th 1971 when he stated in the 'Los Angeles' letter "I do have to give them credit for stumbling across my riverside activity, but they are only finding the easy ones, there are a hell of a lot more down there". This made it curious that the Zodiac Killer's previous communication was the October 27th 1970 'Halloween' card and its obvious implications of a murder related to Halloween. Sandwiched between the 'Halloween' card and 'Los Angeles' communications was the November 16th 1970 Paul Avery article in the San Francisco Chronicle declaring there was 'New Evidence in the Zodiac Killings.' This seemed rather convenient timing immediately after a card based around Halloween.

The Riverside and Zodiac connection was first proffered by Phil Sins, who Michael Morford was fortunate enough to interview in 2012. He stated "that as far as he can remember, he initially asked Avery to contact Riverside Police, and that he only got involved directly with Riverside Police Department after he made contact with Avery. He stated that he linked the two cases just by the overall similarity in the taunting letters. It also got his attention that Bates was killed on Halloween Eve and Zodiac sent a Halloween card. He told Avery to look into it, and get a writing expert as there were writing samples in Riverside. He says he has monitored the case since making the connection. He himself never had any suspects nor did he have any theories in particular". This peaked my interest regarding the design of the Halloween card, and whether the Zodiac Killer was finally incorporating Cheri Jo Bates into his running victim total (now 14), whether or not he was responsible for her murder or not. If Phil Sins drew a connection between the 'Halloween' cardand Riverside, what else may he have observed?

Halloween card inner

The pumpkin placed over the first skeleton has always been a curiosity - unless of course - the Zodiac Killer is effectively 'date stamping' this claimed fourteenth victim. He placed the number 14 on the hand of the skeleton and placed a pumpkin over the pelvic region, not only associating this victim with Halloween, but scoring the victim count of 14 onto the skeleton itself. Bearing in mind the murder of Cheri Jo Bates was four years prior, was this choice of imagery relevant?

David Faraday (17), Betty Lou Jensen (16) and Michael Mageau (19) were three teenage victims of the Zodiac Killer, despite the fact that Michael Mageau survived the attack at Blue Rock Springs. Cheri Jo Bates (18) was also a teenager. The Zodiac Killer wrote the number 14 on the hand of the first skeleton, so could easily have written this number again over the skull of the skeleton on the card inner (shown right). He could have written "fourteen", but deliberately chose to separate the "4" and "TEEN", indicating that these offerings were to be interpreted as two separate words. In the spoken word, this could mean FOUR TEEN or FOR TEEN. The Zodiac Killer placed twelve eyes onto the 'Halloween' card (one was already present at manufacture), suggesting that these held an important significance to the message the card was attempting to prompt from the reader. The simplest answer, when we consider the addition above the skeleton's head, is "look for teen". In totality, the Zodiac Killer is effectively saying "look for teen, who I have inscribed as my fourteenth victim, discovered on Halloween". The pumpkin attached to the skeleton should be the biggest clue in this regard.

Phil Sins contacted Paul Avery regarding the taunting letters and the 'Halloween' card observation, so it is no surprise that the Paul Avery article surfaced on November 16th 1970 putting forth a possible connection between the Zodiac murders and the brutal stabbing of Cheri Jo Bates in Riverside. But was the Zodiac Killer telling the truth when he stated "I do have to give them credit for stumbling across my riverside activity", and was the 'Halloween' card the prompt, subsequently interpreted by Phil Sins?

Indeed,Richard...it can be difficult to interpret the history of the case,regarding the ''introduction'' of the Cheri Jo Bates ''factor''.

To be specific,on choices :

i] That Zodiac murdered Cheri Jo.

ii] That Zodiac extorted the local press,and Cheri Jo's father,Joseph.

iii] That Zodiac did either of [i] and [ii].

iv]That Zodiac did both [i] and [ii].

v] That Zodiac did neither of [i] and [ii].

As far as ''start up'' documentation goes,On October 20th 1969,Sheriff of Napa County,Earl Randol wrote a letter to Captain Donald Townsend,confirming that they had shared a lengthy telephone conversation,three days prior.....with regard to similarlities between,the murder of Cecelia Shepard and Cheri Jo Bates.

This October 17th 1969 telephone conversation,is about three weeks following the Berryessa attack,and two weeks following the Presdio Heights attack.

In addition,about three months following the FBI joining the Zodiac case,as specialists in extortion.

The information shared,between Randol and Townsend,though shared with other Bay Area police forces....was kept from the FBI and CA DOJ.

The information was not to be learned,by the FBI and CA DOJ,for another 13 months [!],when Paul Avery's gave news of this ''probable'' connection,in the SF Chronicle.

Avery had been initially notified of the probable link,on receipt of the ''slow boat to China'' letter,in early November 1970....and had assumed that the letter had come from amateur slueth,Phil Sins,after then Captain Cross,of the Riverside Police,had encouraged Avery,to believe this.In addition,with Captain Cross claiming,to Avery,that Phil Sins had also written to Sergeant Lynch,of the Vallejo Police,as well as he,himself,Captain Cross.

Sins denies ever having written any letters,and had always previously communicated with Avery,by telephone.

When Avery ''rushed'' down to Riverside,following the receipt of the ''slow boat to China'' letter,he had made a quick call to Sins,a local resident to the Riverside vicinity,to meet him....and that the two of them,Avery and Sins,would hold a meeting with Captain Cross.

A meeting between Captain Cross and Avery,did take place.But,Sins was turned away,from this meeting.

Avery was too rushed,to discuss anything with Sins,after his meeting with Cross....and headed straight back to San Francisco,with a view to contacting Documents Examiner,Sherwood Morrill,ASAP.

Had Avery discussed ''Bates'' matters,with Sins,following Avery's meeting with Cross,it may well have come to light that,Avery had,effectively,been used as the ''patsy'' to break the news about a probable Bates link,to the Zodiac case....before the FBI could shout ''Blue Murder !'',in public [!].

Thereafter,one might understand that the FBI never really trusted the Bay Area police forces,with Zodiac matters,again.

Not least that,the FBI had to comply with the CA DOJ wishes,that the whole affair,be kept under wraps,for the sake of good public relations.

Richard

4/10/2019 05:36:23 am

I'll probably opt for number five Rubislaw, but wouldn't completely rule out the other options on the table. The heart of the question is, why would Zodiac decide at this juncture (if indeed the case) to design a card insinuating a connection to the murder of Cheri Jo Bates. Had he more knowledge of law enforcement rumblings than we care to imagine. Targeting the newspapers and mocking the police may have been more personal, having possibly been rejected by one of these institutions, rather than just solely a lust for the spotlight.

BB

4/12/2019 01:21:20 pm

The manslaughter of madeleine mccann detecting lies in the interview with statement analyst Peter Hyatt

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8J2XVXCzzk

This man Peter Hyatt has a very interesting way to detect when some one is lying.

Was the Zodiac Killer telling the truth when he stated "I do have to give them credit for stumbling across my riverside activity"?

Personally,I am ''fairly'' all in on the extortion of the local press and Joseph,from the man who became the Zodiac.

But,keeping on track,with your topic for discussion,are there any clues,in the Zodiac's correspondences,as ''The Zodiac'',and the Halloween Card,in particular....that might lend weight to the Zodiac,having been involved in the Cheri Jo Bates case....in either extortion or murder...or both.

You have me focused,now,and hope to get back to you,on this.

I suppose one could conclude that the post murder Bates correspondences,were a ''mixed bag''.The confession letter,being quite a ''piece of work'',but the ''Bates had to die'''...etc.....a bit of a ''dog's dinner''.[?].

It's this marked contrast,that we presume to perceive,with Zodiac correspondences....between,probably desiring to pass himself off,as an ''imbecile''....and,pressing home on us,how talented and well read,that he was [?].

I haven't actually concluded yet,that the Zodiac did leave ''hints'',in later correspondences,of an involvement in the Bates case.....apart from that 1971 letter,of acknowledgement...whether it be truth or lie.

''Zodiac'' was regularly away,through work....and the Bates murder occurred,while he was away.So,it was all novel to him,returning to the scene,of something tragic,and historical to the college.This ''inspired'' him,to come up with his correspondences of extortion.

Just to add,I don't entirely believe that it was ''as simple'' as ''Zodiac'' being ''warped inclined'',with the Bates correspondences.

Again,a personal opinion,but I believe that ''Zodiac'' was ,deep down,gearing himself up,for a confrontation with WJGrant,with whom he had ''history''.But,can't really go into that,much more,at this stage,save....to say that I believe that the last line of the ''Desk Top Poem'' is pointed at Grant....''Just wait till next time rh'',a Snoopy quote,from Charles Shultz.

I did try,very hard,a few years ago,to acquire a ''student enrolement'' list,for Riverside College,1966 and 1967.In the public domain,only Robert Graysmith and A.N.Other,are believed to have this information.

I have yet to find anything,in Zodiac's 1969 and 1970 correspondences,that really ''scream out'' Cheri Jo Bates.Not that their may be clues,yet uncovered,of course.

My interpretation is,that Zodiac,beihg the ''Bates extortionist'' did not want to point any clues,in the direction of Riverside,while he was enacting out the role of ''Bay Area terrorist''.

That,in effect,might give the authorities,any clues,that he might actually ''not'' be,from the Bay Area.Naturally,the authorities would have considered that Zodiac was an ''outsider''.....but,for Zodiac giving the authorities ''pointers'' of where else,he Zodiac,might be from [Greater L.A.]....could have been suicidal,for Zodiac....while,at least,Zodiac was at the top of his ''terror game'',in the Bay Area.

As soon as the FBI ''caught wind'' of the Bay Area police forces,haviing held back,on a possible Bates link,the first thing they did,was retrieve the Bates correspondences,from the Post Office Fraud Department.....who had been the ''inexplicable'' recipients,courtesy of the Riverside Police [!].

Now,the FBI knew that these correspondences,would no longer be admissable evidence,in a court of law [...thanks to the Riverside Police...]...but,at least the FBI might be able to glean some forensic information,for their own purposes of investigation.

And,we know,from the FBI files that,the FBI proceeded to investigate the Bates case,from ''behind a desk''...for the next 8 years [...since they,the FBI,had not been awarded jurisdiction,in the Bates case,and were not allowed access to Riverside Poice's ''ward''....].

Hence,it does seem ''quite persuading'' that the FBI,were in little doubt that,the man who became ''The Zodiac'',was at least ''the extortionist'' in the Bates case.

''We'' of course,now have the benefit of hindsight,looking at aspects to the case,as ''historians''.

I think that you certainly make a pertinent point,Richard,with a possible ''Halloween'' link,in the order of known correspondences.Specifically,the Halloween Card to Avery....and then,all the way to the next March,before another Zodiac confirmed correspondence,that finally had the Zodiac,to admitting to ''some'' involvement,with the Cheri Jo Bates murder case.

Whether those March 1971 claims were lies,or just an admission,to extortion.

It seems,beyond doubt,that the Zodiac [...or even hoaxers,buying in to the Zodiac phenomema...] was an ''anniversary'' minded person.

''LHR'' was ''Christmas'',to all intents and purposes.....and ''BRS'' was ''Independence Day''.''Berryessa'' and ''Presidio'' could be construed as ''project killings''...as part of a needed strategy,at the time....so fall into a different kettle of fish.

I have to admit that I still give the ''Greetings from Ireland'' card [...first sent,on Cheri Jo's 50th anniversary..],and the ''Z Note'',placed in the Engineering Building's bathrooms,at Diablo Valley College...at least some consideration.

The ''Z Note'' was placed on the 13th of December,2018,about 12 hours,after your topic for discussion,on Patricia King.Within another 12 hours,the 2001 New Years Card,was ready for print,in the SF Chronicle.

Law Enforcement continue to ''speak nothing'',and come up with nothing,on the ''Z Note''....and last three times,of reported graffiti,at the Diablo Valley College.Those last three times,allin the month of March....all close to St.Patrick's Day.

I laid it out for ''Al Pizzano'',the local Chief of Police.

Nothing to appease the students,has materialised....they are still completely in the dark,and fear more trouble.

I have considered writing to the college's internet newspaper.But that could just fan the flames.

Law Enforcement has a habit of holding ''interested observers'',to moral ransom [?].

And I also think that it is worth pointing out,that the man who became the Zodiac,could well be the author of the correspondence to ''The Hollywood Reporter''....which would take his ''extortion'' right back to 1959.Probably,as a teenager,locked away in his bedroom,with a typewriter and ''assorted stationary'' [?].

''Someone'',in 1972/1973 became very upset at Senator Kennedy's behaviour,over the Mary Jo Kopechne scandal,and sent a whole array of defaced newspaper cuttings.....with lots of rude words,and foul mouthed name calling.Included,was that Edward's late brother,''JFK'',was a ''Jack Ass Killer'' and ''Jack the Ripper''.

The ''Best of it'' for Zodiac enthusuasts is,I might venture,that the faces of various Kennedys and associates,have been....

He is the one who posted on his site,” there is no DNA and never has been”, then denied ever stating it. Of course later he tried to make more hay with a fake news update on DNA evidence. Credibility gap?

Although individuals,like President Bush,retired a long time ago,I note that distinguished and respected figures,holding public office,such as Robert Mueller and Dan Olson,are still around.

The latter two,as part of a group of senior officials,that signed for the DNA testing and suspect acquittals,in 2002 and 2003.

Perhaps,after a year of ''no show'',with respect to ''two envelopes and a secret lab.'',Mr.Voigt and Mr.Rodelli might like to seek a ''second opinion'',than the one stated by inference,from a provincial detective...by the name of Terry Poyser [?].

A detective,from the police department of Vallejo...who,by his own admission,even....has not been granted an official remit,nor holding any official portfolio,with regard to the case of the Zodiac Killer.

Strange,perhaps,with the ''Greetings from Ireland'' card,that it received more internet attention,when...

On Christmas Eve,eleven days after the ''Z Note'',and ten days after the emergence of the 2001 New Years Card,a poster called ''Curiouser and Curiouser'',posted a long and protracted interpretation of it,at zodiackillermystery.freeforums.net

''Curiouser and Curiouser'' recommended that someone really should translate the Mandarin Chinese symbols.

So,Ms.S.Betts took it upon herself to give the ''Greetings from Ireland'' card an airing,over at the much bigger zodiackiller.com

Lo and behold,a member at Mr.Voigt's site,called ''briangotback'',who had not previously posted,for three years,suddenly and miraculously comes up,with a full and detailed translation.

I had appealed for ''briangotback'' to speak up,for his efforts...but to no avail.Only Mr.Voigt knows who ''briangotback'' 's identity is.

So,naturally,after more graffiti at the Diablo Valley College,and a full protest,on campus....I felt it only right,that I should inform the Pleasant Hill Chief of Police,Al Pizzano,the full sequence of events,and the possible significance of the ''Z Note'' and ''Greetings from Ireland'' card.

It has occurred to me since that.....the ''Greetings from Ireland'' card,might also hold some significance with Richard Gaikowski being in Ireland,at the time of the ''Lake Herman Road'' murders,thereby discounting Gaikowski,from being the Zodiac.

We are sometimes all faced with deciding what the ''law abiding'' thing,is to do [?].And,this can be distinctly different from,''not'' actually breaking the law.

Anyone that takes an interest in the sequence of events,that unfolded,between December 2018 and March 2019,would,presumably,be interested in,what Mr.''briangotback'' has to say on the matter.

Mr.''briangotback'' 's involvement,may be entirely innocent [?].

But,while he appears to seek refuge,at Mr.Voigt's site,there are questions that remain,unanswered.

At least,I can assure everyone that Al Pizzano is aware of ''briangotback'''s sterling efforts,to make the ''Greetings from Ireland'' card,more transparent.

Tom1

4/16/2019 02:54:07 pm

Did I miss something? After all I am an oulde. Did you not "debunk" the Ireland Card sometime back?

But,it should be noted that,the truth has a habit of catching up,with those that choose to evade it.

Mr Voigt,for example,may elect to put behind him,his recent experieces,and may not be inclined to seek introspection,and the reason or reasons,for finding himself on the receiving end of a ''shafting'' from Bay Area police.....if not the VPD,specifically [?].

Mr.Al Pizzano,it should be noted,is ''Bay Area police'',and there are hundreds of perplexed and angry students,in his ward of authority,that still await answers and a solution to their victimization.

Among those of us that have observed,what has taken place,at Diablo Valley College....if there is any more that any one can do,to assist the police,in getting to the bottom of this,then I believe that most of us,would agree,that those individuals should come forward.

Toots

4/15/2019 05:49:46 am

Right in the middle of Glen Ellen, CA is
Jack London State Historic Park.
Could be a clue towards the other famous serial killer, Jack the Ripper, from London.

Mar2018 - I contact Sacramento PD. They verify my research and send it to the FBI for analysis.

I receive about 40 emails with Sacramento over the past year regarding this.

Jan2019 - Sacramento tells me that gov came back with a "timeline". Sacramento sends SFPD all info and talks to Napa investigator.

Feb2019 - I'm asked for handwriting sample of my suspect.

I ask this community to look at Ridley Creek skeletal remains found on 1/1/2016. I believe this is Z's last act in which he dumped old skeletal remains and a bunch of Z clues to his previous acts, but no one in PA would understand these links unless knowledgeable on Z.

Let me know if interested in the clues that were left there.

I believe suspect did this bec/ he knew he would be dying in 2016.

If what I say is true, gov would not want any DNA results coming back on this...big problems for gov.

I'll check up on the possible Ridley Creek link,and thanks for the tip,Toots.

As I have outlined,in the past,also,there is next to no doubt that Joan Webster's case file,in its entirety,has been transferred to another ''DOJ'',as from March 2nd 2015.

''Joan Webster'' falls under the umbrella of possible Zodiac crimes,both for murder and extortion...and holds some parallels with the Cheri Jo Bates case.

I have passed on information to Eve Carson,with the sole intention,of putting her mind to rest.But,it never really works out,like that,in real life.Ms.Carson seems only obsessed with a possible ''Lenny Paradiso injustice'' link to her late sister-in-law's disappearance and body uncovered,nine years later.

Ms.Carson,by her own admission,had never got on well with her father-in-law,George,and ex-family mistrust,remains.George died one year ago....and not one mention of it,in Ms.Carsons ''diary'' posts,at Websleuth.

The transfer of Joan's case file ''is'' Ms.Carson's only hope of justice,for Joan.But,Ms.Carson is on her ''own journey'' [?].

So...do you think that ''someone'' brought the body,to the park,''to be found'' ?

''That''the ''person'' was tired of the body ''not'' having been found elsewhere [?].

It does seem to me,that,judging by the rings,with one of them even having a signet like inscription....that the ''person'' might even have desired that the dead woman's identity would be discovered,quite quickly,also [?].

Toots

4/16/2019 09:27:12 am

Also, the road that you enter to this 2,600 acre State Park is Sandy Flash Dr.

Toots

4/16/2019 10:16:44 am

Yes, I believe someone brought the body to the park.

I believe a person had the body either in their backyard or basement and was waiting for the right time and a holiday to move it...and be discovered. Saying to police, I got away with this one and others in CA. Last act of Z. Also the last chapter of my suspect's memoir about the death of his ex-wife. The re-created photo even looks like his ex-wife.

My comments,in this section,are largely confined to two incidences,within three months,at the Diablo Valley College,and the possibility of anyone,within the Zodiac internet community,having knowledge,that might involve,the hoaxing of two corresondences,that seem to refer,at least,to the Zodiac.

Best keep matters ''simple'' for now [?].

''briangotback'',Balloon Captain 66,''Curiouser and Curiouser''....there does seem to be a link....and the probability is,that ''some'' know,more than they are letting up.

As merely a ''footnote'' of coincidence....the recent picture postcard,employed for use as the ''Celebrity Cypher'',was found to have been printed in Ireland.

There were a number of John Hinde picture postcards,as the one employed,that were printed in Ireland.But...the others tended to have ''disribution'' information,as ''Mitlock Publishers Inc.'',indicating that they,the other postcards,were distributed,from North Hollywood,CA,

The man who constructed the ''Celebrity Cypher'' posted it from Oakland,CA.....on USA mainland.

If the man purchased the card,at Dublin Airport,then,most likely,he would be headed,across the Atlantic,to Newark Airport,the ''gateway'' to the USA mainland,for air routes,from Western Europe,in 1990.

On Tuesday March 26th 2019,Mr.Voigt found himself,on the receiving end of ''vilification'',following an inaccurate announcement,regarding Zodiac DNA....whose source,is presumed to have been,the VPD.

Just 15 hours [!] previously,Monday evening, MORE Graffiti was found,in rest rooms,of Diablo Valley College.This time in the Business Languages Arts building...as opposed to the Engineering building,nineteen days previously,on March 6th.

The nature of both graffiti,on March 6th and March 25th,was ''racial hatred''.

So...I'd be fairly sure that Pleasant Hill and Vallejo Police forces,have had ''some words'' recently [?].And,that Al Pizzano would have been aware of an ''arrangement'' between Mr.Voigt and Mr.Poyser [?].And that Al Pizzano would be aware that Mr.Voigt carried a thread,about the ''Greetings from Ireland'' card [?].And that Mr.Voigt would be aware of the identity of the contributor,at Mr.Voigt's site,known only,as ''briangotback'' [?].

Perhaps Mr.Voigt's ''humiliation'' was a just a ''warning shot'' across the boughs,at conduct,that was ''remiss'' and ''lax'',at best [?].Not having done enough,perhaps,to put his ''back yard'' in order [?].

While Mr.Voigt does not speak up,suspicions will remain.

And,anyone electing to have either colluded,or simply remaining silent,when information could have been offered....may be named and outed,at a later date.

So,if anyone does have information,that could assist Al Pizzano,in his investigations...then I would be inclined,to speak up,now [?].

I will pass it on,for them,if they hand it over to Richard.

The Zodiac community ''has'' to operate and be seen as ''law abiding citizens''.There is no room for criminality within.

Perhaps this just started as a self-perceived ''harmless prank'',that began to take on wings,and fly out of control [?].

One does expect Law Enforcement,to know what to do about this current spate of hate threats,at Diablo Valley College [?].

There are a number of possibilities,of what is actually happening,behind the scenes.

Something that did occur to me was,that the 2001 New Years Card,was released earlier than intended [Dec.14th],in the belief that it might take the Zodiac community's mind,off the surprise of the ''Z Note'',emerging at Diablo Valley College's Engineering rest rooms [Dec.13th].

Clearly,rest rooms at the college,are being targeted,since there are laws with regard to where CCTV cameras,are allowed to be placed.

Finally,a thought on Mr.Poyser and Mr.Voigt :

Is it possible that ''Terry'' asked ''Tom'',to name names [?].

And that ''Tom'' tried to charge ''Terry'' $25 for the privilege.[?].

Toots

4/17/2019 12:46:21 pm

To me, Glasgow screams "Bible John" and Templeton Woods incidents.
Also, if I recall, the Greetings from Ireland, poster said, "John will be seeing you soon."
To me, that sounds like someone who knew "John" was zodiac...and that they themselves are getting up in years. Presuming Z is dead. Take a look at my Albany Letter decipher. Z made first 12 char more complex.

In recent years,the Scottish police have tended to ''unofficially'' point the finger at ''already incarcerated'' Peter Tobin,as having been ''Bible John''.Like recently deceased Angus Sinclair and Robert Black,these are evil men of the first order,who always had to have the resonsibility of extra murders,prised out of them,never admitting to anything beyond which,the justice system had managed to prove,in a court of law.

''Templeton Woods'' was of course ''Dundee'',and some might be surprised how often,these murders come up for discussion,in relation to the Zodiac.Mostly based on the perpetrator's perceived ''motorcar'' behaviour,after Ms.Lannen and Ms.McCabe's strangulations.

I didnt know that you had an Albany cipher solution,Could you leave a reference to it,in this comments section ?

Since we know that the first 12 char of the Albany cipher was a name...since the FBI redacted it, I believe Z didn't want it to be as easy to decipher as the remaining "Albany med center this is only..."

Using David Oranchak's solution, but adjusting for Zodica using the 4th char as both a J and N (heck, the char even looks like a combined J and N turned sideways) I believe Zodiac also jumbled a few letters to make it more complex.

This suspect of mine also fits in very nicely with Joan Webster. Granted, I'm not saying the FBI guy was Zodiac...but I'm saying the Zodiac liked to target crimes where his name was similar.

I believe that Mr.Oranchak's solution is actually the one,that the FBI have put forward,as suggested...and don't believe that Mr.Oranchak is vain enough to argue the point.

A problem with the cipher is,that it comes to us as,perhaps a photocopy of the worst condition....and allows debate over the cipher text interpretation.

My solution is ''close'' to the Oranchak/FBI one....but the name given is ''Don Henley'' of the Eagles fame....who along with his father,''Con'',ran a motorcar spare parts business,in Greater Dallas,Texas.The implication that ''Zodiac'' knew father and son,when he,Zodiac,first started owning cars.

Very interested to hear a ''Joan Webster'' link to your solution,and will have a look.

Toots

4/18/2019 06:32:27 am

Yes, my solution also uses Oranchaks solution, but even several of his letters (as he admits) are up for interpretation bec/ they aren't used in the non-name section. We shouldnt assume it's FirstNameLastName, it can be LastNameFirstName. And I realize that Oranchak has mentioned that there are many possibilities...but stick with the Irish names. Also, I believe Z got a kick out of police interviewing the hunter Robert Connelly of Lake Herman. Z knew Robert Connelly would be in the area hunting. Fun for Z to see that police were so close to the Z name, but yet so far in identifing the real killer.

Just to attempt to bring clarity,to the phenomenon of ''hate graffiti '',occurring three times,in just over three months,at the Diablo Valley College :

The person or persons responsible,may not actually come from within,the inner circles of the Zodiac community.

However...there appears to be ever increasing evidence that,those responsible,are ''feeding'' off general discussion....and,particular,the controversy of the source of the enigmatic ''Greetings from Ireland'' card.

The ''Greetings from Ireland'' card,as a thread,called ''Look what eye found'',at zodiackillermystery.freeforums.net ....and then,as a thread,called ''Something new ? '',in the general section of zodickiller.com

Within the thread,called ''Something new ?'',the contribution by ''briangotback'' can be found.A wholly ''extraordinary'' explanation for the Chinese symbols,on the ''Greeting from Ireland'' card,and interpretation of the card,itself.It is as if ''briangotback'' knew the card,like the back of his hand.

And,it is this ''almost certain'' hoaxed correspondence,which appears to have been largely responsible,as a ''catalyst'' and ''feeder'' of trouble at the Diablo Valley College.

And yet....not a word spoken,about either the ''Something new ?'' thread....nor the ''so called'' contributor,''briangotback'',from the site manager and owner,''Mr.Tom Voigt''.

Even though Chief of Pleasant Hill Police,Al Pizzano,who is head of investigations knows about the ''Greetings from Ireland'' card,and the significance of ''briangotback'',in relation to the card.

While Mr.Voigt retains his silence,on the matter,and in view of the ''grief'' that he has recently endured......is it any wonder that,that ''grief'' will be perceived as....

It should be noted that,if anyone thinks that this ''Greetings from Ireland'' card,has escaped the notice of the FBI and CA DOJ.

Then,they can think again.

Though probably hundreds,if not thousands of hoaxed Zodiac correspondences,in the past [...much like the ones presented to Mr.Voigt,by Det.Poyser,on Mr.Voigt's ''special'' visit to the VPD...],there are very few...that actually cause a scandal.

This ''Greetings from Ireland'' card stands out,because of its compelling associations with the Diablo Valley College ''victimization'' of innocent young students.

When the history of the case of the Zodiac Killer is written,in its entirety,the ''Greetings from Ireland'' card,will hold a mention of note.

And,one presumes,those responsible for its creation,will become part of a band of the ''darker'' characters,in the case's history.

It seems to resemble a ''ghost town'',with many threads,left unattended,for a number of days.

One fairly active thread,called ''very scarey people'' has seen some action....from,almost exclusively,Mr.Voigt,Ms.Betts and re-appearance from Mr.Rodelli....now that he believes that the coast is clear.

But,the three of them just seem to mutter,incoherently,about a Mr. Butterfield being bitter....and a Mr.Hewitt,whom they accuse of misinformation.

Clearly,the ''three musketeers'' think that they can sit this one out.

Over at the ''Reddit'' site,there is a veritable party,going on.Everyone seems to be in a upbeat mood,with a ''Gypsy Kings'' tribute band,called ''Honcho and the Boys'' playing in the background.

It has now been revealed,by the Diablo Valley College's newspaper,what was precisely written,on the walls of the rest rooms,of the Business Languages Arts building,on the evening of Monday March 25th 2019.About 15 hours,before Mr.Voigt was fed bogus information,with regard to Zodiac DNA.

This word ''Arse'' is,of course,a British and Irish variant of ''Ass'',more commonly known,in North America.

As a noun,it tends to mean ''fool''.....but as a collective ''non specific'' definition,it indicates ''rubbish'' or ''nonsense''.

It's actual prevalence of employment,is confined mostly,to the English upper-classes....and the Southern Irish.

It does seem to me that,''Technically Arse'' is a reference to the long running Irish TV comedy,called ''Father Ted''.A situation comedy about three Irish Catholic Fathers,and their housekeeper.Father Ted,himself was always getting himself in trouble,for being an ''Accidental Racist'',and the script was peppered with the word,''Arse''.

One could argue that,yet again,the racist and ''Z'' reference nature to the troubles at the Diablo Valley College,have been fed off the ''swings and roundabouts'' of the ''Greetings from Ireland'' card.

I see now that Mr.Voigt has changed the frontage of his site,once again.This time give it,a friendlier,more nostalgic ''tone''...perhaps reflective of the 21 years,of the Zodiac case's internet years [?].

Within his site,itself,the ''three muskateers'' are laying into Gary Stewart,Mark Hewitt and ''Mr.Bitterfield''....as if,perhaps,showing everyone,that they still have ''teeth'' and ''clout'' [?].

I would suggest that the ''general climate'' for the ''Zodiac community'' will remain uncomfortable,while Mr.Voigt remains reluctant to ''come clean'' over recent events [?].

The ''implication'' is,at least,that Mr.Voigt was unwilling to reveal information to Law Enforcement,related to the ''Greetings from Ireland'' card..given its apparent associations,with the problems occurring at Diablo Valley College.

Further implications ''might'' be because Mr.Voigt can see that he would incriminate himself,in relation to that ''Greetings from Ireland'' card [?].

But,until he remains silent,on the matter,there will be no resolution.

Mr.Voigt is playing ''Fast and Loose''.Law Enforcement ''will'' continue to investigate the recent spate of hate threats,at Diablo Valley College.

Yes..I now see that the President of Diablo Valley College,Susan Lamb,notified her colleagues,of the graffiti.....and her students,40 minutes later....the next day...at precisely the time that Mr.Voigt was fed the bogus information,on Zodiac DNA.

These poor students had only been back to classes,for two days,when there was a re-occurrence of ''hate'' graffiti.

And,further...the release of pictures of the graffiti,itself....has just come about,in the last 24 hours.Perhaps,a deliberate decision,by Law Enforcement,to force Mr.Voigts ''arm'' [?].

Law Enforcement may well be monitoring Zodiac sites,as I write.

So,''someone'' please,who has Mr.Voigt's ear....tell him to do the ''right'' and law abiding thing.

While we wait to see what Mr.Voigt's next move,is...perhaps it's worth examining ''briangotback'' 's assessment of the 'Greetings from Ireland'' card.

One should bear in mind,that ''briangotback'' intially informed us,that he was ''no expert'',in Mandarin Chinese.Well,I don't suppose many of us realised that it was ''Mandarin'' [?].It could have been ''Cantonese''....for all we knew [?].

A detailed and comprehensive translation,from ''briangotback'',then ensued.Even,with a bit of ''Buddist'' interpretation,being thrown in,for good measure.

Finally,his concluding synopsis :

''As for personal opinions - if this is a fake,it's a hell of a fake.Both stylistically and substantially this feels like a Zodiac letter,much more than other fake letters,which kind of felt ''off''.''

I have just paid another visit to reportage on graffiti trouble,at the Diablo Valley College....going back to recent times,starting December 13th,with the ''Z Note''.

It now seems that two letters have been added,after the signing of the note,as '' - Z ''.And that,those two letters,appear to be '' G S ''.

What surprised me about another examination,of the writing,with the March 6th graffiti,is that ''Whoggs'' seems to have changed,to ''N*gg*rs''.I am perplexed [!].Naturally,one might be inclined to think that ''Whoggs'' could be more ''Zodiac-esque'' [?].

Plus...this '' 20 - 30 '' year old age estimation,seems a bit ''wide'',even for someone,well covered up [?].If he had been,between 70 and 80 years old,one could understand [?].I put the guy,at around 20,anyway.And,possibly a smidgen taller,than 5ft 8in [?].

Law Enforcement may have their reasons [?],for stating information,in a certain way,and,on first inspection,not seeming to be wholly accurate.

Perhaps,a bit of '' Tomfoolery'' at play [?].....and I'm not just talking about Mr.Voigt.

I suspect that LE,will be watching Mr.Voigt's behaviour,on the internet,like a Hawk,now.It could be painful for him,having to be nice.

I don't suppose it ever occurred to him,that he would become a ''POI'' [?].

If we examine what is actually transpiring,now,at Mr.Voigt's site,the contoversial thread,called ''There is no Zodiac DNA,and never was any''....has actually picked up some action again.But now,the focus is all about DNA,in relation,to the Cheri Jo Bates and Edwards/Domingos cases.As if ''background'' related cases,have been moved to the forefront,to justify starting that thread,in the first place.

Of the ''Three musketeers'',Mr.Voigt is picking up on threads,that go back 10 years,or more,and is,in effect,re-living his examination of the case,when he still had an appetite for actual sluething....as opposed to assuming the role of a great communicator of LE's activity,and his own assumed role,as a site dictator.

Having now been kicked off the ''team bus'',riding with the ''big boys'',because of his reluctance to put something oh the table,when asked of him.....he has relegated himself,to ''mere contributor'',and '' all round'' nice guy.

Now that a lull has ensued,after the Bay Area Police's '' dry humping '' and '' Custard Pie-ing'' of Mr.Voigt,Mr.Rodelli has returned to the fray,mostly to remind his fellow members,that he is a '' 5 star guy '' of serious intent.Odd references to the past,are made,by Rodelli,with liberal use of the word ''Fiasco'' employed....but without any qualified link to DNA,specifically.

Ms.Betts,seems to have flown the nest,to zodiackillersite,presumably having got fed up,holding the fort,in the wake of the March 26th ''nightmare''.It was Ms.Betts,of course,who brought the ''Greetings from Ireland'' card,over to zodickiller.com....which seemed,at the time,to her,an entirely innocent move,in an attempt to acquire more knowledge,about the card.On whose suggestions,in actuality,one might wonder [?].And,for what ultimate purpose...if not according the card,credulity [?].

One suspects that Ms.Betts is happy to be away,from Mr.Voigt,for now....though he has attempted to join her,in posts,at zodiackillersite,there could be a ''frosty'' atmosphere,in the air,between them.

The question,I would suggest,now is,does Ms.Betts know more about the creation of the 'Greetings from Ireland'' card..than she knew before [?].

Ms.Betts introduces the card,on December 27th....three days after ''Curiouser and Curiouser'' 's long winded appraisal of the card,and a recommendtion that the symbols ''really need translating''.

As Ms.Betts,commented at the time :

'' I still share what I find,as soon as I see something Z like - Unless I am asked to keep it hush hush ! ''.

There followed,a number of interested posts of curiosity...with the general consensus that the symbols must be Japanese.By the time of ''briangotback'' 's arrival,on January 24th,only two symbols had been translated.Simply because,as it transpires,those two symbols were the same,in Japanese,as Mandarin Chinese.

''briangotback'' opened his post,with simply :

'' I am here to translate the Chinese symbols ''

Later we were to learn that ''briangotback'' was ''no expert'',,but enough to know that the symbols were ''traditional'',and,from a specific period....as opposed to modern.

Job done.

Returning to the question...is it possible that Ms.Betts now knows more about the construction of the ''Greetings from Ireland'' card,than she did at the time of the ''March 26th nightmare'' ?

And that,like Mr.Voigt,she has not come forward with information,pertaining to the card,as was requested of Mr.Voigt ,by investigating police,related to the Diablo Valley College's hate threats [?].

In the words of Ms.Betts :

'' Unless I am asked to keep it hush hush ! ''

Hopefully,true friends of Ms.Betts will ask of any new knowledge,regarding the card....that Ms.Betts ''might'' have now [?].

And persuade her to pass this information on,to the investigating police.

As the Zodiac internet community ''lurches'' forward,with wounded pride,it is important not to forget what,exactly,has brought us to this point.

December 13th 2018,and actual threats of violence,perpetrated against Diablo Valley College's 22,000 students,in the form of a simple note,left in a college rest room,and signed '' - Z ''.

Everything that has come about since,stems from this unforgiving message.Not least,further hate graffiti at the college.....and,the Bay Area Police turning on an internet community pioneer,Tom Voigt.

''Scapegoat'' behaviour,as perceived intially.....but as time has gone on,appears not without foundation.

All roads of blame,as a feeder for the woes befalling the college,seem to point to the creation and life of a hoaxed Zodiac correspondence,known as the ''Greetings from Ireland'' card.

The architects of this ''poison pen letter'' have yet to be unmasked and,so far,Mr.Voigt has emerged as the only person,able to bring transparency to the mystery created,in its wake.

And,additional silence from Mr.Voigt,only compounds further,what investigating police,already suspect - that actual complicity in the hoax,is at the heart of Mr.Voigt's excuses in failing to assist them,with their inquiries.

With more information emerging,out of various editions of ''The Inquirer'',it is now known,that there were ''three'' threats made to the college's students,in this last month of March 2019.

As follows :

i] March 6th - Racist threats - Engineering Building

ii] March 21st - Firearms threats - Arts Languages Business Building

iii] March 25th - Racist threats - Arts Languages Business Building

Lt.Huddleston is now the senior investigating officer ''on campus''.

It was the day after the March 13th student protest,that I outlined details of internet threads,to Police Chief,Al Pizzano.This included the ''generous'' contribution of ''briangotback'',in the ''Something new ?'' thread,at zodiakiller.com.

So,it appears that Mr.Voigt,had had,since March 14th,to assist investigating police,with their inquiries,with respect to the ''Greetings from Ireland'' card,in particular.

Mr.Voigt obviously had declined investigating police's ''invitation'',to assist them.....and two further hate threats,involving firearms and racial hatred,followed,on March 21st and March 25th.

Although speculating,to an extent....news published,now,of the March 21st Firearms threat,at Diablo Valley College,is of course,a bit of a shock,and adds yet another dimension,to case.

It is possible,as with the Firearms threat,for December 13th....that another ''Z angle'' was thrown ''into the mix'' [?].

Mr.Voigt may have felt that he had justifiable reasons,for declining a request of assistance.But,given the nature and repitition of the threats....he is hardly in a morally grounded position,as might be perceived,in a ''Doctor and patient'' scenario [?].

The first reaction,from Mr.Voigt,following the realization,that he had been ''had'',over claims of Zodiac DNA....was to state that he had not ''broken the law''.

Well.that may be Mr.Voigt's perception,but I think that there may be others,that might disagree [?].

''Obstructing the course of justice'' for ''starters'' [?].And,it could get much worse,depending on what,exactly,is it that Mr.Voigt is attempting to conceal.

When the recent troubles,for the college,started again,with that December 13th threat,contained within the ''Z Note''...the first agency,to be asked questions,by the press,was the FBI.

The FBI,at that time,stated that ''this'' was a matter for local police.

One might think now,that with three threats,in March,including another Firearms threat,that this level of extortion....will surely call for an intervention,by the FBI [?].

And,any further ''protestations'' by the likes of Mr.Voigt....will just be swept aside [?].

Once those responsible for the hate and violence threats,are apprehended,then Law Enforcement will look around,for any further persons,that bear collateral responsibiity.

It is,perhaps,worth looking at the term ''Obstruction of Justice'',as pertaing to the law,in the USA :

Obstruction or perversion of justice,is a process crime.perpetrated on government officials,such as officers of the Law.In Common Law,the crime holds many descriptions.

One such :

''Obstruction charges may also be laid,in situations,such as refusal to assist police officers,in the course of their work.And,is punishable,by up to ten years in prison.''.

Whether Mr.Voigt,and possible associates,fall into this category,remains to be seen.

One might wonder,though,what it is about ''not'' having broken the law,that Mr.Voigt is so confident about [?].We now know,that further crimes took place at Diablo Valley College,while Mr.Voigt continued with his refusal to help the investigating police.

It is sad,of course,that while the crimes committed at Diablo Valley College remain unsolved,the students will find difficulty in moving forward,with confidence,and a new start.

And,for the Zodiac internet community,the ''Greetings from Ireland'' card,will linger,like a bad penny that keeps coming back,to haunt us.Reminding us of the hoaxing,taking place within.

Hoaxing,that reeks of ''foul play'' and leaves a disagreeable odour of distrust,in the once vibrant community chat rooms.

It is as if this recent Diablo Valley College hate campaign,has become a ''hoaxer's operetta'',called ''Zodiac rides again''....to the main ''Opera'',which is the case of the Zodiac Killer .[?].

Examining again,the ''Z Note'' which threatens gun violence for December 13th....those two letters,which now appear,beyond the '' -Z '' signature....could easily be '' G '' and '' E '',which are well spacced apart.In addition,those two letters appear in an area of the note,that seems to have had much ''blanking out'' applied [?].

Is it possible,that the author of the ''Z Note'' had actually left ''GREETINGS FROM IRELAND'',at the bottom of the note ?

With the ''G'' and ''E'' being the ''1st'' and ''3rd'' letters left,for us,the viewer....by investigating police [?].

The investigating police would have been in ''seventh heaven'',when I sent them details,including ''briangotback''....if this is the case [?].

Also,as an observation,of ''mere coincidence'',I now see that ''Tit Willow'' is a reference to a '' Tom Tit '',which is a species of the Australian Robin.

....this seems to confirm further,that the graffiti artist or artists are piggybacking off the Zodiac internet,and the ''life'' of the ''Greetings from Ireland'' card,in particular.

It appears ''beyond plausible'',that Mr.Voigt would not know something about ''briangotback'' and the card.And,was caught ''off guard'' when investigating police asked of him,to assist them,with their inquiries.

Mr.Voigt may elect to call silence,over the matter,and maintain that he has not broken the law.

But,it is all too apparent,the personal cost to him,and,as LE so clearly perceive,that he is covering up for a ''project'' that represents active hoaxing.

One possible scenario,for the invetigating police,might be that ''someone'',who could be an ''associative hoaxer'' of Mr.Voigt's,is going ''that extra mile'',on behalf of Mr.Voigt...without Mr.Voigt's knowledge.

Perhaps,for example,trying to put Gaikowski in the frame,with the distinctly ''Irish'' element,going on [?].

As previously mentioned,the ''liklier'' scenario,is the ''piggyback riding'' one.But,the police have to keep their options open.

More's the pity then,that Mr.Voigt has felt unable,to assist the investigating police,then [?].''They'' will know that the real reason for Mr.Voigt's reluctance is,that he will expose himself,as an internet hoaxer.

But,it it is equally likely,that there are more hoaxers,than just Mr.Voigt.The police really need to check these ''others'' out...even if only one further ''partner in crime'',with Mr.Voigt.

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